Tests show pepper a likely source of salmonella

February 3, 2010

Health officials in Rhode Island say tests have shown that pepper was a likely source of a salmonella outbreak that sickened more than 200 people in at least 42 states, although it's still not clear if it's the only source.

Department of Health spokeswman Annemarie Beardsworth said Wednesday that tests traced the same strain of salmonella to closed containers of ground black pepper that would have been used to coat salami at a meat company in Burrillville.

The company, Daniele Inc., recalled more than 1 million pounds of salami last month after many of those who got sick reported they ate it. But Beardsworth says about half the people sickened didn't eat any salami.

She says federal officials are investigating whether any contaminated pepper was sold directly to consumers or used in prepared foods.